The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry Canada and the Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), announced at the Agency headquarters today that the CSA will begin a national astronaut recruitment campaign at the end of May 2008, to select astronauts to join its Canadian Astronaut Corps.

"Canadians are inspired when they see our astronauts in space, and they will be proud to learn that even more Canadian astronauts are about to be recruited," said Minister Prentice. "I am pleased to join the Canadian Space Agency to announce this new national astronaut recruitment campaign. By May 2009, two astronaut candidates will be selected and will begin their training to represent Canada in future space exploration missions."

Those selected by the Canadian Space Agency will take part in long-duration spaceflights on the International Space Station. Among their tasks, astronauts will help assemble and maintain the Station and conduct scientific and industrial research enhancing our quality of life on Earth. "Canada's astronaut corps has been very successful. Our astronauts have flown in space 13 times in the last 24 years and two more flights have just been announced. This is an exciting career and we hope that many Canadians apply," said Guy Bujold, President of the Canadian Space Agency. "To continue successfully carrying out human spaceflight, we need to maintain a talented and capable Canadian Astronaut Corps."

The application process will open at the end of May 2008. To apply, candidates will complete an application form on the Canadian Space Agency Website. Detailed requirements will be posted on the Website when the application process begins.

After the period of evaluation and interviews, the Canadian Space Agency hopes to be in a position to announce final selections in May 2009. Two astronaut candidates will be selected. A pool of qualified candidates will also be created for service in the future. Astronaut candidates will report to Canadian Space Agency headquarters in Longueil, Quebec for a first round of training and then to NASA's Johnson Space Center to begin the basic training program that will prepare them for future spaceflight assignments.

The space agency's national recruitment drive to fill two positions in the astronaut corps by 2009 closed Thursday night at midnight with a total of 5,352 Canadians applying for the jobs.

It's only the third time since the creation of the Canadian Astronaut Corps in 1983 the agency has sought applicants. The first two recruitment drives also brought in close to 5,000 applications.

A regional breakdown of applicants mostly confirms to the nation's population, with 40 per cent (2,164) of the applications coming from Ontario, 23 per cent (1,160) from Quebec and 11 per cent (609) from Alberta.

About 20 per cent of the applicants were women, a number consistent with previous astronaut recruitment drives, the CSA said.

The field of applicants will be whittled down to a short list of 40, who will then undergo more extensive tests and interviews, said MacLean in explaining the process a week ago.

Robert Pearlman

Canadian Space Agency release

Competition Narrows in National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign

Canada's third National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign is well underway. A record 5351 potential astronaut candidates submitted applications online when the campaign was launched last May. Following the first phases of evaluations, including preliminary interviews and basic medical tests, 40 were selected to move forward to the next round in the evaluation process. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) completed robotics and fitness tests (including swimming) of those candidates last week. The evaluations took place in the Montreal area and it was the first time candidates were brought together for testing since the beginning of the campaign.

Breakdown of top 40 Astronaut Candidates by Region*

Region

Candidates

Atlantic Provinces

1

Central (Quebec)

8

Central (Ontario)

10

Prairies

6

Western (B.C.)

4

Northern Canada

0

Outside Canada**

11

* This breakdown is based on location of residence at the time of application and does not necessarily reflect hometown.

** Canadian citizens residing outside of the country.

The number of aspiring astronauts who remain in the competition will be trimmed to 20 by the end of March 2009. In the coming months, successful applicants will be asked to undergo a series of evaluations. The CSA will release the names of the top 20 astronaut candidates in March 2009. From among them, two will be chosen to join Canada's Astronaut Corps in May 2009. At the same time, a pool of qualified candidates will be created to draw from in order to meet future needs.

For more information on the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign, visit the Canadian Space Agency's website.

The President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Steve MacLean will introduce the top 16 candidates remaining in the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign during a news conference on Monday, March 16.

In addition to introducing the finalists, the news conference will provide media with insight into the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign selection process.

Journalists who cannot be on site will be able to follow the event live on the Canadian Space Agency Web site.

The National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign was launched in May 2008. A record 5351 potential astronaut candidates submitted applications online. Over the course of the previous months, the ASC has interviewed selected candidates and put them through a series of medical exams and physical and skills tests in sometimes extreme conditions. The field has been narrowed to 16 finalists. From among them, two will be chosen to join Canada's Astronaut Corps in May 2009, with the opportunity to represent Canada in future space exploration missions, including long-duration spaceflights on the International Space Station.

Robert Pearlman

Canadian Space Agency release

Top 16 Astronaut Candidates Introduced

Today, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean introduced the Top 16 candidates who are participating in the Agency's National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. This announcement provides insight into the process of selecting the next two members of Canada's Astronaut Corps.

This group was selected from over 5351 online and screened applicants to the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign, which was launched in May 2008. Over the last several months, the CSA has interviewed candidates and put them through a series of medical exams as well as physical and skills tests in what were sometimes extreme conditions. They have also been tested for their creativity, teamwork skills and physical fitness to determine their ability to meet the demands of astronaut training and space flight.

The tests were developed and executed in collaboration with the 5th Area Support Group Command, Saint-Jean Garrison, Department of National Defence in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (January 2009); the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Damage Control Division in Halifax and Survival Systems Training Limited in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (February 2009); and, Defence Research Development Canada in Toronto, Ontario (March 2009). In December 2008, tests were also conducted with Canadian Forces medical clinics in Halifax, Bagotville, Ottawa, Downsview, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Cold Lake, Esquimalt and Kandahar (Afghanistan).

"Canada is world leader in space exploration and space robotics. This diverse and highly qualified field is a testament to the skill and innovation of our citizens," said Industry Minister Tony Clement. "Our Economic Action Plan is committed to building on Canada's legacy of scientific and technological excellence. I congratulate all candidates who have made it this far in the selection process. With the talent and drive displayed by these fine candidates, the Canadian Astronaut Corps will be well served for years to come."

"The Top 16 candidates in the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign represent an incredibly accomplished, well-rounded and diverse group of Canadians," said CSA President and former astronaut, Steve MacLean. "This is only the third Astronaut Recruitment Campaign held in Canadian history. As we proceed with our selection process, two of these highly talented individuals will be chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime."

The following is an alphabetical list of the Top 16 candidates:

Matthew Bamsey

Desmond Brophy

Christopher Denny

Peter Giles

Jeremy Hansen

Allyson Hindle

Ryan Hunter

Jameel Janjua

Joshua Kutryk

Mark McCullins

Stuart Rogerson

David Saint-Jacques

Geoffrey Steeves

Kenneth Welch

Keith Wilson

Bruce Woodley

The remaining steps of the campaign include a series of interviews and intensive medical exams to be completed over the next two months. The final two candidates will be selected as the newest members of Canada's Astronaut Corps in May 2009.

Canada's astronauts embody the spirit of the Canadian Space Program. Their courage and commitment are a source of pride and inspiration to all Canadians. As astronauts, their core function is to support, train and fly on international space missions, and to use their unique experience to help further scientific research and advance technology development. They also play a key role in raising public awareness about Canada's achievements and activities in space, while inspiring Canada's youth to explore the fields of science and technology.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all civil, space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. The Agency directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity.

Delta7

The Canadian Space Agency will announce the names of its two new astronaut selectees at a press conference on Wednesday, May 13.

Minister Tony Clement to Announce Canada's New Astronauts

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the CSA President Steve MacLean will introduce the two Canadians that have been selected to join the Canadian Space Agency's astronaut corps, at a news conference to be held at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa, Ontario, on Wednesday, May 13.

Nearly 25 years after the first Canadian astronaut flew into space and only weeks before two Canadian space veterans launch to the International Space Station, the Honourable Industry Minister Tony Clement and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean revealed the names of Canada's newest astronauts.

"Canada is poised for the future, extending our proud history of achievements in human spaceflight, science and technology innovation and space exploration," said the Honourable Tony Clement. "These new astronauts will support Canada's contribution to the International Space Station and continue to inspire our young Canadians to pursue advanced studies in the sciences and reach for their dreams."

The new astronauts were chosen among 5351 applicants. Through the year-long recruitment process, candidates underwent evaluations ranging from robotics to physical fitness testing.

"I am inspired by the outstanding talent I have seen in the Canadians that applied to become astronauts. Canadians have risen to the top in so many areas of achievement and our recruitment campaign attracted the best and the brightest of our nation," said CSA President Steve MacLean. "The Canadian Space Agency's two new astronauts will embark on a career which, I can say from personal experience, will be full of adventure and personal fulfillment. And they will do important work on behalf of Canada and on behalf of humanity."

Jeremy Hansen and David St-Jacques are the first Canadians to join the astronaut corps since 1992.

Jeremy Hansen (left) and David St-Jacques

They become the 11th and 12th Canadians to join the Canadian Astronaut Corps.

The new astronauts will undergo brief training at the CSA headquarters this summer. In August 2009, they will begin their astronaut training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Until then, the new Canadian Space Agency astronauts will support the launch activities of their colleagues, Canadian astronauts, Robert Thirsk and Julie Payette. Bob Thirsk will take part in a long-duration mission on the International Space Station and is scheduled to launch on May 27 from Baikonur Kazakhstan. Julie Payette, will be a mission specialist on STS-127, which is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 13.

Robert Pearlman

Canadian Space Agency biographies

Jeremy Hansen

Born: London, ONRaised: Ingersoll, ONCurrent residence: Cold Lake, AB

Education:

BSc, Space Science, Royal Military College (1999)

MSc, Physics, Royal Military College (2000)

Jeremy currently works as a CF-18 fighter pilot, and has lived and served across the country. He currently holds the position of Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Cold Lake, and his responsibilities include ensuring the effectiveness of NORAD Air Defence Operations. He holds numerous awards for his proficiency as a pilot.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is pleased to announce that its two new astronauts, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques, have successfully completed their two-year basic training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"Through diligence and hard work, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques have earned the respect of their astronaut colleagues," said the President of the CSA, Steve MacLean. "Our newest astronauts have come through with flying colours and are proud members of Canada's Astronaut Corps."

Now that basic training is complete, Hansen and Saint-Jacques have been assigned duties that will continue to broaden and perfect their skills, preparing them for future challenges. Both will work at the Johnson Space Centre. Jeremy Hansen will be assigned to the International Space Station Operations Branch and will assume the role of Crew Support Astronaut for Expedition 33/34, which includes Chris Hadfield's mission. David Saint-Jacques has been assigned for duties within the Robotics Branch, which will include training and operations related to the European Robotic Arm. Both men are now eligible for selection for long-duration missions on the International Space Station.

Recruited by the Canadian Space Agency in May of 2009 through a national astronaut recruitment campaign, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques have undertaken an intensive and rigorous training program which included:

Attaining a thorough understanding of spacecraft and ISS systems, engineering, and science;

acquiring techniques necessary to master operation of the ISS systems, including spacewalks (extravehicular activities), and manoeuvring the robotic arm;

obtaining and enhancing skills and behaviors required of astronauts, including piloting an aircraft and taking part in survival training;